Union Square Greenmarket operates year-round on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays

Union Square Greenmarket runs in the south plaza of Union Square Park at 14th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. The market is open four days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on most days, though Saturday hours sometimes extend to 7 p.m. during peak season. The market operates every week of the year, including winter months, though the number of vendors and types of produce change with the season.

The market is run by the Council on the Environment of New York City, a nonprofit that manages Greenmarkets across the city. Vendors are farmers, not resellers — they must grow or produce what they sell within a defined region around New York City. This means the produce, meat, dairy, and prepared foods come directly from the people who made them, rather than passing through a wholesale distributor first.

Key Takeaways

  • Union Square Greenmarket is open four days a week year-round in the south plaza at 14th Street and Broadway, with most vendors accepting cash and card.
  • Vendors must grow or raise their products within the region, so what is available changes by season — spring brings greens and asparagus, summer brings berries and stone fruit, fall brings apples and squash, and winter brings root vegetables and storage crops.
  • The market runs from early morning through early evening, so you can shop before work or after, though the best selection is usually in the first two hours after opening.
  • Prices are typically higher than supermarkets but lower than specialty grocery stores, and many vendors offer bulk discounts or deals on items nearing the end of their shelf life.

What grows and when at Union Square

Spring (April through May) brings leafy greens, asparagus, peas, radishes, and early herbs like parsley and chives. Some vendors sell seedlings and plants for home gardening. Dairy and eggs are available year-round from the same vendors.

Summer (June through August) is the peak season. You will find berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines), tomatoes, corn, zucchini, peppers, and fresh herbs. This is when the market is most crowded and the vendor count is highest.

Fall (September through November) brings apples, pears, grapes, squash, root vegetables like beets and carrots, and leafy greens again as the weather cools. Many vendors sell cider, preserves, and baked goods made from their own fruit.

Winter (December through March) has the smallest selection. Root vegetables (potatoes, onions, turnips, parsnips), storage crops (cabbage, kale), citrus from some vendors, and preserved items (jams, pickles, dried goods) make up most of what is available. Some vendors close for the season; others reduce their hours.

Payment methods and pricing

Most vendors at Union Square accept both cash and card, though a few cash-only vendors still operate. There is no central payment system — you pay each vendor separately at their stand. Bring a reusable bag or plan to buy bags at the market, as vendors do not always have bags on hand.

Prices vary by vendor and season. Produce is typically 20 to 40 percent more expensive than supermarket prices but often less than specialty grocery stores. Bulk purchases sometimes get a discount — ask vendors if they offer deals on multiple items or on produce that is ripe and needs to be sold that day. Prepared foods like baked goods, honey, cheese, and meat are priced higher than mass-produced versions but reflect the cost of small-scale production.

Navigating the market layout and crowds

The market occupies the south plaza of Union Square Park. Vendors set up in rows, and the layout shifts slightly week to week depending on who is selling. There is no map, but vendors tend to cluster by product type — produce vendors on one side, dairy and eggs in another area, prepared foods and baked goods toward the edges.

Saturday is the busiest day, especially between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. If you prefer a less crowded experience, Monday, Wednesday, or Friday mornings are quieter. The market is accessible by subway (N, R, W, L, 4, 5, or 6 trains stop at 14th Street) and by bus. Street parking near Union Square is limited and often metered.

What to bring and how to shop efficiently

Bring cash if you want to shop at any cash-only vendors, though most accept card. A reusable bag or backpack makes carrying purchases easier, especially if you are buying heavy items like root vegetables or jars of honey. Wear comfortable shoes — you will be standing and walking between vendors.

Arrive early in the day for the best selection, especially in summer. Popular items like berries, tomatoes, and fresh herbs sell out by mid-morning on busy days. If you are looking for a specific item, ask vendors when they expect to have it next — many will tell you what they are bringing the following week.

Vendors who sell meat, dairy, and prepared foods

Beyond produce, Union Square Greenmarket has vendors selling grass-fed beef, pastured chicken, fresh eggs, raw milk cheese, yogurt, honey, maple syrup, baked bread, and prepared foods like soups and sandwiches. These vendors change seasonally and week to week, so the selection is not consistent. Prices for meat and dairy are notably higher than supermarkets but reflect the production methods and scale.

Some vendors sell items that are not food — flowers, plants, and occasionally crafts made by the vendor. The market does not allow resellers or vendors who source from wholesale distributors, so everything is made or grown by the person selling it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find organic produce at Union Square Greenmarket?

Many vendors grow organically, but not all are certified organic. Ask individual vendors about their growing practices — most will tell you whether they use pesticides or fertilizers. Certified organic produce is usually marked or the vendor will mention it.

What if I cannot find what I am looking for?

Ask vendors directly. They know what they are growing and can tell you when an item will be available or suggest an alternative that is in season. Many vendors take requests and will bring specific items if you ask them the week before.

Are there discounts or deals at the end of the day?

Some vendors reduce prices on produce that is ripe and needs to sell before they leave, especially late in the day. This is not may provide, but it is worth asking vendors if they have anything marked down as they pack up.

Is Union Square Greenmarket open in winter?

Yes, the market operates year-round, including December through March. Winter selection is smaller — mostly root vegetables, storage crops, and preserved items — and some vendors close for the season, but the market itself stays open.

Can I use SNAP or food information benefits at Union Square Greenmarket?

Some vendors accept SNAP (food stamps), but not all. Look for vendors with a sign indicating they take SNAP, or ask at individual stands. The market also participates in matching programs where government benefits are matched with additional purchasing power, though availability varies.